Naoto Ohshima's art that inspired Sonic's animations and more...

Speaking of Monkey Punch...

 

Sonic Superstars brings back some unused ideas from previous games (in continuation of Sonic Mania's tradition) and has stuff that looks similar to concept art for Sonic 3 and Knuckles.

 

Sonic CD Month comes to an end, so...

Spoiler: Coming Soon

 

Familiar moves:

 

Well, making a new Sonic game + checking out Zone 2 = adding concept art of Dubious Depths in Sonic Superstars' unlockable gallery.
Why not? Ohshima returns, Classic Sonic is back, Fang is here... Let's make it even more exciting by presenting some unseen artwork. Especially considering the fact that some levels look like concept art for previous games (see my earlier post in this topic).

 

I write to Ohshima once in a few months (previously it was once in a few years). And topics of messages are different. It just happened to be Sonic CD last time, because, well, it was September 23rd, the game's 30th anniversary.
I asked if he could provide details on CD's original concept: either the game started as expanded version of Sonic 1 or not; sent him a screenshot of an early special stage; wanted to clarify what he meant by saying that it's not Zone 2 in ending animation.
That's it. And I'm waiting for a response. I don't insist / demand anything. If he answers – fine. If he doesn't – that's his decision to make, I just mind my own business.
Speaking of a gallery in Sonic Superstars (or any other game / compilation) – that just sounded like a good idea to me. A kind of compromise: the developers are busy with making new releases, they don't have time to check out development materials of previous games. So a reason to check early design documents could be: to add some art as bonus content. It means less questions from fans, more reasons for players to fully explore levels in a new game (in order to collect stuff and unlock new features). Everyone would be happy.
Anyway, 2023 is not only the year of Sonic CD's 30th anniversary, but also the Rabbit Year.
There were 3 rabbits during the development of Sonic The Hedgehog. None of them appeared in the game.

Before the hedgehog there was a rabbit. The idea of him picking up objects with his ears evolved into a character who stretches arms to pick up stuff / reach different areas in another game with Sonic 1 engine – Ristar.

Another one (Mach) in Sonic The Hedgehog Band.


Mach appeared in different pictures by an anonymous illustrator (Ohshima supervised those images).

It's autumn now, so this poster with Mach matches the season. The rabbit also was seen in manga and comics.

Splats... I mentioned him in one of previous posts. He returned in debug mode of Sonic 1 (2013 version), Mania and Superstars.
Oh, but he is not the only rabbit to appear in Superstars.

This one is back, too. Because SEGA and ARZEST joined forces.

 

Golden Capital looks like a mix of unused ideas for levels in Sonic 1.

There is a lot of fire.

And lava. And ancient structures.

Influence of this Sonic 2 concept art is seen as well.

 

Ice Cap


Sonic 3 (November 3, 1993 version) 30th anniversary

 

Naoto Ohshima posted this picture on December 31, 2022.

It could have been the earliest hint at then upcoming Sonic Superstars.

 

JAMMING!

 

Here is the source list:
1. Sonic Origins Collection
2. Naoto Ohshima's post
3. Sonic CD ending animation
4. Kazuyuki Hoshino's post

I'm trying to trace the origins of different artworks / animation frames or even games.

Sonic Storybook series seem to originate from sketches made in the mid 90s.
There are elements from Aladdin & Jack and the Beanstalk.
Arabian and English fairy tales / legends inspired Secret Rings and Black Knight respectively.